No fire safety laws despite widespread risks

Sri Lanka is yet to introduce a national fire safety act, which will make it compulsory for high rises, old and new, authorised and unauthorised buildings to adopt fire safety measures, Colombo's chief fire officer, P.D.K.A. Wilson, said.

He said most of Colombo's old buildings, especially those in the busy Pettah area, pose great fire risks as the owners and occupiers do not follow fire safety requirements.

The recent fire at a six-storey clothing store on Second Cross Street resulted in 22 people being injured. Six people who were exposed to heavy smoke were admitted to the ICU with severe breathing difficulties. Eleven fire engines with 45 firefighters were deployed. The Air Force, too, sent its Disaster Assistance and Response Team to assist.

"These are old port buildings. There are no fire exits. Now that businesses have put up several floors that cannot be demolished, the only way is to conduct fire safety drills and have fire extinguishers," Mr. Wilson said.

The fire occurred after petrol was poured onto an incense burner with coconut shells. Incense burning cannot be prohibited, but doing this in such old buildings is definitely a risk. Unless there is a law, these occupants will hardly adhere to fire safety practices. These stores are usually packed with customers, especially during the festive season," he said.

Colombo Municipal Council commissioner Badrani Jayawardena said owners and occupiers of older buildings will be asked to participate in awareness sessions, including practical drills, at the CMC's fire and rescue

Old buildings in Pettah : Where little or no fire safety requirements are followed.

Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara 2 people were injured in the recent fire at a six-storey clothing store on Second Cross Street Pettah. Pic by Rekha Tharangani

training academy in Wellawatte.

Retired fire officers will carry out the training, he said.